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Lesson 3 - Dodging and Evasion Skills

Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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51 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies as powerful evasion tools to outmaneuver opponents and stay in the game?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply sophisticated dodging, jumping and ducking techniques to avoid being hit
To select and execute the most appropriate evasion skill based on ball trajectory and speed
To demonstrate tactical awareness and decision-making under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently execute multiple evasion techniques with precision timing
Students will make split-second tactical decisions about which evasion skill to use
Students will maintain spatial awareness while under pressure from multiple directions

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking court boundaries and skill practice areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or boundary lines

Dodgeball

Ensure balls are appropriate size and softness for Year 6 students

Alternative: Foam balls, soft-touch balls, or tennis balls for safety

Stopwatch

For timing activities and monitoring rest periods

Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock

Measuring Tapes

To ensure accurate distances for throwing zones

Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones

Key Vocabulary

Evasion

The act of avoiding or escaping from danger through skilful movement

Trajectory

The path a ball follows through the air from thrower to target

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms out for balance

Spatial awareness

Understanding where you are in relation to boundaries, opponents, and teammates

Split-second decision

Making a quick choice when you have very little time to think

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of dodgeball rules from previous lessons
Fundamental movement skills - running, jumping, changing direction
Initial awareness of spatial positioning

Current Skills

Advanced evasion techniques - jumping, ducking, sidestepping
Tactical decision-making under pressure
Reading ball trajectory and speed
Maintaining 360-degree awareness

Next Steps

Advanced catching techniques
Strategic team positioning
Offensive throwing tactics

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently avoid 70%+ of balls thrown at them

Clear evidence of tactical evasion choices

Fluid movement between different evasion techniques

Key Teaching Points

Maintain ready position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet for instant movement
Keep head up and eyes tracking the ball at all times during evasion
Select evasion technique based on ball height: jump for high, duck for shoulders, sidestep for body
Use small, quick movements rather than large commitments that lose balance
Never turn your back on opponents - maintain 360-degree awareness
Practice honest play and immediate team switching when eliminated
Focus on quality technique over desperate movements

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bigger evasion movements are always better - actually small, quick adjustments are more effective
Believing you should watch your feet while dodging - eyes must stay on the ball
Assuming the same evasion works for all ball heights - technique selection is crucial
Thinking dodgeball is just about avoiding balls - spatial awareness and positioning are equally important
Believing aggressive play is more effective - controlled, honest play leads to better outcomes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive behaviour recognition system

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for practice, simplified evasion techniques, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet rest zones available, consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with sound-making properties, verbal ball trajectory descriptions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for commands, written rule summaries, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques

physical disability

Seated dodging variations, modified throwing distances, alternative evasion methods using available mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and trajectory calculations, timing and speed measurements, spatial geometry in court positioning

Science

Forces and motion - ball physics, human body systems during exercise, reaction times and nervous system

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories, direction and movement concepts

PSHE

Honesty and integrity in competitive situations, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to observe all students, position near high-activity zones during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct evasion technique, appropriate throwing height, sportsmanship behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for head-height throws, address unsporting behaviour quickly, support struggling students with technique

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, contrast good vs poor examples, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up, watch the ball!'
•'Quick feet, stay ready!'
•'Below shoulders only!'
•'Honest play everyone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, no loose objects or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Dodgeballs appropriate size and softness for Year 6
•Cones with rounded edges and stable base
•Check balls for correct inflation - not over-inflated

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between students during evasion
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Over-exertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Strictly enforce below-shoulder throwing rule
•Maintain adequate spacing during all activities
•Teach proper evasion techniques to prevent falls
•Monitor students for signs of fatigue
•Use soft, appropriate-sized balls only

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
•Monitor throwing height continuously
•Watch for over-aggressive play or unsporting behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure injured student is safely removed from activity area